Display substrate and display device including the same

ABSTRACT

A display substrate and a display device including the display substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, the display substrate includes a plurality of pixels formed in a substantially circular pixel area and a driving circuit formed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area and configured to drive the pixels. A boundary is formed between the pixel area and the peripheral area, and the boundary is substantially concentric with respect to an arc defining the substantially circular pixel area. The driving circuit comprises a conductive pattern having a first side which extends in a peripheral direction crossing the boundary.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/196,393, filed on Nov. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/807,785, filed on Jul. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,157,565 issued on Dec. 18, 2018, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0015945, filed onFeb. 2, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND Field

The described technology generally relates to a display substrate and adisplay device including the same.

Description of the Related Technology

Cathode ray tube (CRT) displays are typically large and non-portable,but flat panel displays such as, liquid crystal displays and organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) displays can be made relatively small,lightweight and to consume low power.

A display device usually includes a display substrate having aquadranglular shape. The display device includes a pixel area and aperipheral area surrounding the pixel area. A plurality of pixels todisplay an image, thin film transistors (TFTs) to control the pixels andsignal lines to provide signals to the pixels are formed in the pixelarea. A driving portion to drive the pixels including a peripheral TFTis formed in the peripheral area.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

One inventive aspect relates to a display substrate that can improveefficiency of a circuit layout in a peripheral area and a display devicehaving the display substrate.

Another aspect is circular display substrate and a display deviceincluding the same.

Another aspect is a method of displaying an image using the displaydevice.

Another aspect is a circular display substrate that includes a pluralityof pixels formed in a pixel area having a circular shape, and a drivingportion formed in a peripheral area adjacent to the pixel area, andconfigured to drive the pixels. The driving portion includes aconductive pattern having a first side which extends in a perpendiculardirection to a boundary of the pixel area and the peripheral area.

In example embodiments, the driving portion includes a plurality of scancircuits. The scan circuit can include a first pattern electricallyconnected to the pixel and having a first side and a second side. Thefirst side of the first pattern can extend in the perpendiculardirection to the boundary. The second side of first pattern can extendin a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side.

In example embodiments, the circular display substrate further includesa scan line formed in the pixel area and electrically connecting thescan circuit to the pixel. The scan line can extend in a firstdirection. An angle between an extending direction of the first side ofthe first pattern and the first direction can be varied according to aposition of the scan circuit.

In example embodiments, the scan line and the first pattern of the scancircuit are formed from a same conductive layer.

In example embodiments, the driving portion further includes a pluralityof data circuits. The data circuit can include a second patternelectrically connected to the pixel and having a first side and a secondside. The first side of the second pattern can extend in theperpendicular direction to the boundary. The second side of secondpattern can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to thefirst side.

In example embodiments, the circular display substrate further includesa data line formed in the pixel area and electrically connecting thedata circuit to the pixel. The data line can extend in a seconddirection which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.An angle between an extending direction of the first side of the secondpattern and the second direction can be varied according to a positionof the data circuit.

In example embodiments, the data line and the second pattern of the datacircuit are formed form a same conductive layer.

In example embodiments, a distance between the scan circuit and the datacircuit which is adjacent to the scan circuit gets smaller as beingcloser to the boundary.

In example embodiments, a distance between the scan circuit and theboundary is smaller than a distance between the data circuit and theboundary. The scan circuits and the data circuits can be arranged in tworows in a plan view.

In example embodiments, the circular display substrate further includesa scan connecting line formed between the scan circuit and the scan lineand configured to electrically connect the scan line to the scancircuit. The scan connecting line can extend in the perpendiculardirection to the boundary.

In example embodiments, the length of each of the scan connecting lineis substantially same as each other regardless of a position of the scancircuit.

In example embodiments, two scan circuits which are formed adjacent toeach other are spaced apart from each other in a same distance.

In example embodiments, the scan circuit is connected to the pixel whichis near the peripheral area by a conductive pattern having a leanershape.

In example embodiments, the peripheral area has a ring shape surroundingthe pixel area.

Another aspect is a display device that includes a circular displaypanel including a circular display substrate and a receiving containerconfigured to receiving the circular display panel. The circular displaysubstrate includes a plurality of pixels formed in a pixel area having acircular shape, and a driving portion formed in a peripheral areaadjacent to the pixel area, and configured to drive the pixels. Thedriving portion includes a conductive pattern having a first side whichextends in a perpendicular direction to a boundary of the pixel area andthe peripheral area.

In example embodiments, the driving portion of the circular displaysubstrate includes a plurality of scan circuits. The scan circuit caninclude a first pattern electrically connected to the pixel and having afirst side and a second side. The first side of the first pattern canextend in the perpendicular direction to the boundary. The second sideof first pattern can extend in a direction substantially perpendicularto the first side.

In example embodiments, the circular display substrate is formed in thepixel area, and further includes a scan line formed in the pixel areaand electrically connecting the scan circuit to the pixel. The scan linecan extend in a first direction. An angle between an extending directionof the first side of the first pattern and the first direction can bevaried according to a position of the scan circuit.

In example embodiments, the receiving container includes an upperreceiving container and a lower receiving container. The upper receivingcontainer can overlap the peripheral area of the circular displaysubstrate.

Another aspect is a circular display substrate that includes a pluralityof pixels formed in a pixel area having a circular shape, and a drivingportion formed in a peripheral area adjacent to the pixel area, andconfigured to drive the pixels. The driving portion includes a pluralityof unit circuits repeatedly formed along the peripheral area. A layoutof each of the unit circuits extends toward a center of the pixel area.

In example embodiments, the distances between each of the unit circuitand the center of the pixel area are substantially uniform.

Another aspect is a display substrate comprising: a plurality of pixelsformed in a substantially circular pixel area; and a driving circuitformed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area and configured todrive the pixels, wherein a boundary is formed between the pixel areaand the peripheral area, and wherein the boundary is substantiallyconcentric with respect to an arc defining the substantially circularpixel area, wherein the driving circuit comprises a conductive patternhaving a first side which extends in a peripheral direction crossing theboundary.

In the above display substrate, the driving circuit comprises aplurality of scan circuits, wherein each scan circuit comprises a firstpattern electrically connected to a selected pixel and has first andsecond sides connected to each other, wherein the first side of thefirst pattern extends in the peripheral direction, and wherein thesecond side of first pattern extends in an arc direction crossing thefirst side.

The above display substrate further comprises a scan line formed in thepixel area, wherein the scan line is configured to electrically connecta selected scan circuit to the selected pixel, wherein the scan lineextends in a first direction, and wherein an angle between theperipheral direction and the first direction varies with respect to theposition of the selected scan circuit.

In the above display substrate, the scan line and the first pattern areformed on the same layer.

In the above display substrate, the driving circuit further comprises aplurality of data circuits, wherein each of the data circuits comprisesa second pattern electrically connected to a selected pixel and hasfirst and second sides connected to each other, wherein the first sideof the second pattern extends in the peripheral direction, and whereinthe second side of second pattern extends in the arc direction.

The above display substrate further comprises a data line formed in thepixel area, wherein the scan line is configured to electrically connecta selected data circuit to the selected pixel, wherein the data lineextends in a second direction crossing the first direction, and whereinan angle between the peripheral direction and the second directionvaries with respect to the position of the selected data circuit.

In the above display substrate, the data line and the second pattern areformed on the same layer.

In the above display substrate, the distance between the selected scancircuit and a selected data circuit adjacent to the selected scancircuit is smaller at a location closer to the boundary.

In the above display substrate, the distance between the selected scancircuit and the boundary is less than the distance between a selecteddata circuit adjacent to the selected scan circuit and the boundary,wherein the scan circuits and the data circuits are arranged in rows.

The above display substrate further comprises a scan connecting lineformed between each of the scan circuits and the scan line andconfigured to electrically connect the scan line to the scan circuit,wherein the scan connecting line extends in the peripheral direction.

In the above display substrate, the scan connecting line comprises aplurality of scan connecting lines having lengths substantially the sameas each other.

In the above display substrate, the distances between adjacent scancircuits are substantially the same.

The above display substrate further comprises a conductive patternconfigured to electrically connect a selected scan circuit to theselected pixel adjacent to the peripheral area, wherein the conductivepattern has a shorter width than that of the selected scan circuit.

In the above display substrate, the peripheral area forms a ring aroundthe pixel area.

Another aspect is a display device, comprising: a display panelcomprising a substantially circular display substrate and a receivingcontainer configured to receive the display panel, wherein thesubstantially circular display substrate comprises: a plurality ofpixels formed in a substantially circular pixel area; and a drivingcircuit formed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area andconfigured to drive the pixels, wherein a boundary is formed between thepixel area and the peripheral area, and wherein the boundary issubstantially concentric with respect to an arc defining thesubstantially circular pixel area, wherein the driving circuit comprisesa conductive pattern having a first side which extends in a peripheraldirection crossing the boundary.

In the above display device, the driving circuit comprises a pluralityof scan circuits, wherein each scan circuit comprises a first patternelectrically connected to a selected pixel and has first and secondsides connected to each other, wherein the first side of the firstpattern extends in the peripheral direction, and wherein the second sideof first pattern extends in an direction crossing the first side.

In the above display device, the circular display substrate is formed inthe pixel area, wherein the display device further comprises a scan lineformed in the pixel area, wherein the scan line is configured toelectrically connect a selected the scan circuit to the pixel, whereinthe scan line extends in a first direction, and wherein an angle betweenthe peripheral direction and the first direction varies with respect tothe position of the selected scan circuit.

In the above display device, the receiving container comprises upper andlower receiving containers, wherein the upper receiving containeroverlaps the peripheral area of the substantially circular displaysubstrate.

Another aspect is a display substrate comprising: a plurality of pixelsformed in a substantially circular pixel area; and a driving circuitformed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area and configured todrive the pixels, wherein the driving circuit comprises a plurality ofunit circuits surrounding the pixel area, and wherein each of the unitcircuits extends toward the center of the pixel area.

In the above display substrate, the distances between each of the unitcircuits and the center of the pixel area are substantially the same.

According to at least one of the disclosed embodiments, unit circuits ofa circular display substrate arranged along the boundary of a pixel areaand a peripheral area extends in a perpendicular direction to theboundary. Thus, efficiency of a circuit layout in peripheral area can beimproved.

In addition, resistive load due to a wiring length difference can bereduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a circular display substrateaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating A area of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged view illustrating a scan circuit and adata circuit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged view illustrating a pixel of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view briefly illustrating a circulardisplay according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view briefly illustrating a circulardisplay according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Recently, demand for a display device having a circular substrate hasincreased. The circular display device has a pixel arrangement differentfrom a typical display device, such that a new layout of a peripheralarea is required. In typical displays, the arrangement of circuitry ofthe driving portion is not efficient.

Hereinafter, the described technology will be explained in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, the term“substantially” includes the meanings of completely, almost completelyor to any significant degree under some applications and in accordancewith those skilled in the art. Moreover, “formed on” can also mean“formed over.” The term “connected” can include an electricalconnection.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a circular display substrateaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged viewillustrating A area of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a circular display substrate includes apixel area PA and a peripheral area SA.

The circular display substrate can display an image in the pixel areaPA. For example, the circular display substrate is a liquid crystaldisplay substrate, an OLED display substrate and the like.

The pixel area PA has a substantially circular shape. The pixel area PAincludes a plurality of pixels P to display an image. The pixels P canbe arranged in a matrix form along a first direction D1 and a seconddirection D2 in the pixel area PA. The second direction D2 crosses thefirst direction D1. The pixel P is electrically connected to a scan lineSL and a data line DL. The scan line SL extends in the first directionD1. The data line DL extends in the second direction D2 to cross thefirst direction D1.

The peripheral area SA is adjacent to the pixel area PA. The peripheralarea SA can surround the pixel area PA, so that can form a ring. Adriving portion to drive the pixels P is formed in the peripheral areaSA.

The driving portion (or driving circuit) includes a scan driving portion(or scan driving circuit) SDR and a data driving portion (or datadriving circuit) DDR. The scan driving portion SDR sequentially providesscan signals to the pixels P. The data driving portion DDR provides datasignals to the pixels P. The scan driving portion SDR includes aplurality of scan circuits 100. The data driving portion DDR include aplurality of data circuits 200.

The scan circuit 100 is formed in the peripheral area SA. The scancircuit 100 is electrically connected to the scan line SL in the pixelarea PA through a scan connecting line 110 which is formed in theperipheral area SA.

The data circuit 200 is formed in the peripheral area SA. The datacircuit 200 is electrically connected to the data line DL in the pixelarea PA through a data connecting line 210 which is formed in theperipheral area SA.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a boundary between the pixel area PA and theperipheral area SA is substantially circular. Thus, a portion of theboundary has an arc shape. The boundary is formed along an arc directionD3, and the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 are formed inthe arc direction D3. For example, the scan circuits 100 and the datacircuits 200 are alternately formed along the arc direction D3.

The scan circuit 100 extends in a fourth direction (or peripheraldirection) D4 which is substantially perpendicular to or crossing thearc direction D3. The fourth direction D4 is substantially perpendicularto the arc direction D3, so that the fourth direction D4 can be variedaccording to a position of the scan circuit 100. For example, the scancircuit 100 overall has a width in a fifth direction D5 which issubstantially perpendicular to the fourth direction D4, and extend inthe fourth direction D4, so that the scan circuit 100 is substantiallyrectangular.

The scan connecting line 110 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thescan connecting line 110 electrically connects the scan circuit 100 tothe scan line SL in the pixel area PA. The scan connecting line 110extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the scan connecting line 110extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to theboundary between the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA.

The data circuit 200 extends in the fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe data circuit 200. For example, the data circuit 200 has a width in afifth direction D5, and extend in the fourth direction D4, so that thedata circuit 200 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The data connecting line 210 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thedata connecting line 210 electrically connects the data circuit 200 tothe data line DL in the pixel area PA. The data connecting line 210extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the data connecting line 210extends in a direction which is perpendicular to the boundary of thepixel area PA and the peripheral area SA.

Accordingly, the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 are formedalong the boundary of the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA, andeach of the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 extends in asubstantially perpendicular direction to the boundary. Thus, efficiencyof a circuit layout in peripheral area SA can be improved.

In addition, the scan connecting line 110 extends in the perpendiculardirection to the boundary, so that the scan lines SL in the pixel areaPA and the scan circuits 100 can be connected to each othersubstantially uniformly. Thus, resistive load due to a wiring lengthdifference can be reduced.

In addition, the data connecting line 210 extends in the perpendiculardirection to the boundary, so that the data lines DL in the pixel areaPA and the data circuits 200 can be connected to each othersubstantially uniformly. Thus, resistive load due to a wiring lengthdifference can be reduced.

FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged view illustrating a scan circuit and adata circuit of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken alongline I-I′ of FIG. 3A.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the scan circuit 100 includes a scanperipheral transistor STR and a first pattern 112. The data circuit 200includes a data peripheral transistor DTR and a second pattern 212.

The circular display substrate includes a base substrate 10, an activepattern, a first insulation layer 20, a gate metal pattern, a secondinsulation layer 30, a data metal pattern and a third insulation layer40.

The base substrate 10 can include a transparent insulation substrate.For example, the base substrate 10 includes a glass substrate, a quartzsubstrate, a transparent resin substrate, etc. Examples of thetransparent resin substrate for the base substrate 10 includepolyimide-based resin, acryl-based resin, polyacrylate-based resin,polycarbonate-based resin, polyether-based resin, sulfonic acidcontaining resin, polyethyleneterephthalate-based resin, etc.

Although not shown in figure, at least one buffer layer can be formed onthe base substrate 10. For example, the buffer layer prevents diffusionof metal atoms and/or impurities from the base substrate 10.Additionally, the buffer layer can adjust heat transfer rate of asuccessive crystallization process for the active pattern, to therebyobtain a substantially uniform active pattern. When the base substrate10 has a relatively irregular surface, the buffer layer can improveflatness of the surface of the base substrate 10. The buffer layer canbe formed of a silicon compound. For example, the buffer layer includessilicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride(SiOxNy), silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy), silicon carbon nitride (SiCxNy),etc. These can be used alone or in a mixture thereof.

The active pattern is formed on the base substrate 10. In one exampleembodiment, the active pattern is formed of silicon (Si). In anotherexample embodiment, the active pattern includes a semiconductor oxideincluding a binary compound (ABx), a ternary compound (ABxCy) and/or aquaternary compound (ABxCyDz). For example, the active pattern is formedof indium (In), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), Tin (Sn), titanium (Ti),aluminum (Al), hafnium (HI), zirconium (Zr) and/or magnesium (Mg).

The active pattern can include a scan peripheral active area SA, a scanperipheral source area SS and a scan peripheral drain area SI) of thescan peripheral transistor STR. In addition, the active pattern caninclude a data peripheral active area DA, a data peripheral source areaDS and a data peripheral drain area DD of the data peripheral transistorDTR.

The first insulation layer 20 can be formed on and cover the activepattern. The first insulation layer 20 can be formed by a CVD process, aspin coating process, a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition(PECVD) process, a sputtering process, a vacuum deposition process, ahigh density plasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) process,printing process, etc. For example, the first insulation layer 20 isformed of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), siliconoxynitride (SiOxNy), aluminum oxide (AlOx), tantalum oxide (TaOx),hafnium oxide (HfOx), zirconium oxide (ZrOx), titanium oxide (TiOx),etc. These can be used alone or in a combination thereof. In addition,the first insulation layer 20 can have a single layer structure or amulti layer structure formed of silicon oxide and/or silicon nitride. Inexample embodiments, the first insulation layer 20 are substantiallyuniformly formed on the base substrate 10 along a profile of the activepattern. Here, the first insulation layer 20 can have a substantiallysmall thickness, such that a stepped portion can be generated at aportion of the first insulation layer 20 adjacent to the active pattern.In some example embodiments, the first insulation layer 20 has arelatively large thickness for sufficiently covering the active pattern,so that the first insulation layer 20 has a substantially level surface.

The gate metal pattern includes the scan line SL in the pixel area(referring to PA of FIG. 2), the scan connecting line 110 in theperipheral area SA, the first pattern 112 of the scan circuit 100, ascan peripheral gate electrode DG of the scan peripheral transistor STR,and a data peripheral gate electrode DG of the data peripheraltransistor DTR.

The gate metal pattern can be formed on the first insulation layer 20.In some example embodiments, a conductive layer (not illustrated) isformed on the first insulation layer 20, and then the conductive layeris partially etched by a photolithography process or an etching processusing an additional etching mask. Hence, the gate metal pattern can beprovided on the first insulation layer 20. The conductive layer can beformed by a printing process, a sputtering process, a CVD process, apulsed laser deposition (PLD) process, a vacuum evaporation process, anatomic layer deposition (ALD) process, etc. The gate metal pattern canbe formed of metal, alloy, conductive metal oxide, a transparentconductive material, etc. For example, the gate metal pattern is formedof aluminum (Al), alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlNx),silver (Ag), alloy containing silver, tungsten (W), tungsten nitride(WNx), copper (Cu), alloy containing copper, nickel (Ni), alloycontaining nickel, chrome (Cr), chrome nitride (CrNx), molybdenum (Mo),alloy containing molybdenum, titanium (Ti), titanium nitride (TiNx),platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaNx), neodymium (Nd),scandium (Sc), strontium ruthenium oxide (SRO), zinc oxide (ZnOx),indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnOx), indium oxide (InOx), galliumoxide (GaOx), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These can be used alone orin a combination thereof. In example embodiments, the gate metal layerhas a single layer structure or a multi layer structure, which caninclude a metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film, a conductivemetal oxide film and/or a transparent conductive film.

The scan line SL is electrically connected to the pixels (refers to P ofFIG. 2) in the pixel area.

The first pattern 112 is formed in the peripheral area, and includes aportion of the scan circuit 110. For example, the first pattern 112 iselectrically connected to the scan drain area SD of the scan peripheraltransistor STR through a contact hole formed through the firstinsulation layer 20.

The first pattern includes a first side 112 a which extends in a fourthdirection D4 and a second side 112 b which extends in a fifth directionD5 which is substantially perpendicular to the fourth direction D4. Thefourth direction D4 is substantially perpendicular to a boundary of thepixel area and the peripheral area. Thus, the scan circuit 100 includesa circuit pattern having sides which extend along the fourth directionD4 and the fifth direction D5. Accordingly, the scan circuit 100 can besubstantially rectangular.

The scan connecting line 110 is formed in the peripheral area, andelectrically connects the first pattern 112 of the scan circuit 100 tothe scan line SL. The scan connecting line 110 extends in the fourthdirection D4 which is substantially perpendicular to the boundary.

The scan peripheral gate electrode SG overlaps the scan peripheralactive area SA. The scan peripheral active area SA, the scan peripheralsource area SS and the scan peripheral drain area SD are included in thescan peripheral transistor STR.

The data peripheral gate electrode DG overlaps the data peripheralactive area DA. The data peripheral active area DA, the data peripheralsource area DS and the data peripheral drain area DD are included in thedata peripheral transistor DTR.

Thus, the scan line SL in the pixel area and the first pattern 112 inthe peripheral area, the scan peripheral gate electrode SG of the scanperipheral transistor STR, and the data peripheral gate electrode DG ofthe data peripheral transistor DTR can be formed from the same metallayer by pattering the metal later.

The second insulation layer 30 is formed on the first insulation layer20 on which the gate pattern is formed. The second insulation layer 30having a substantially uniform thickness can be formed on the firstinsulation layer 20 along a profile of the gate metal pattern. Thus, astepped portion can be generated at a portion of second insulation layer30 adjacent to the gate metal pattern. The second insulation layer 30can be formed using a silicon compound. For example, the secondinsulation layer 30 is formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, silicon oxycarbide and/or silicon carbon nitride. These canbe used alone or in a mixture thereof. The second insulation layer 30can be obtained by a spin coating process, a CVD process, a PECVDprocess, an HDP-CVD process, an LPCVD process, etc. In exampleembodiments, the second insulation layer 30 has a single layer structureor a multi layer structure, which includes a silicon oxide film, asilicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, a silicon oxycarbidefilm and/or a silicon carbon nitride film.

The data metal pattern is formed on the second insulation layer 30.

The data metal pattern includes a data line DL in the pixel area, dataconnecting line 210 in the peripheral area, and the second pattern 212of the data circuit 200.

In one example embodiment, a conductive layer (not illustrated) isformed on the second insulation layer 30, and then the conductive layeris partially etched by a photolithography process or an etching processusing an additional etching mask. Hence, the data metal pattern can beprovided on the second insulation layer 30. The conductive layer can beformed by a printing process, a sputtering process, a CVD process, apulsed laser deposition (PLD) process, a vacuum evaporation process, anatomic layer deposition (ALD) process, etc. The data metal pattern canbe formed of metal, alloy, conductive metal oxide, a transparentconductive material, etc. For example, the data metal pattern is formedof aluminum (Al), alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlNx),silver (Ag), alloy containing silver, tungsten (W), tungsten nitride(WNx), copper (Cu), alloy containing copper, nickel (Ni), alloycontaining nickel, chrome (Cr), chrome nitride (CrNx), molybdenum (Mo),alloy containing molybdenum, titanium (Ti), titanium nitride (TiNx),platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaNx), neodymium (Nd),scandium (Sc), strontium ruthenium oxide (SRO), zinc oxide (ZnOx),indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnOx), indium oxide (InOx), galliumoxide (GaOx), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These can be used alone orin a combination thereof. In example embodiments, the data metal layerhas a single layer structure or a multi layer structure, which includesa metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film, a conductive metaloxide film and/or a transparent conductive film.

The data line DL is electrically connected to the pixel in the pixelarea.

The second pattern 212 is formed in the peripheral area and is includedin a portion of the data circuit 200. For example, the second pattern212 is electrically connected to the data drain area DD of the dataperipheral transistor DTR through a contact hole formed through thefirst and second insulation layers 20 and 30.

The second pattern 212 includes a first side 212 a which extends along afourth direction D4 and a second side 212 b which extends in a fifthdirection D5 which is substantially perpendicular to the fourthdirection D4. The fourth direction D4 is substantially perpendicular toa boundary between the pixel area and the peripheral area. Thus, thedata circuit 200 includes a circuit pattern having sides which extendalong the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5. Accordingly,the data circuit 200 can be substantially rectangular.

The data connecting line 210 is formed in the peripheral area, andelectrically connects the second pattern 212 of the data circuit 200 tothe data line DL. The data connecting line 210 extends in the fourthdirection D4 which is substantially perpendicular to the boundary. Thedata connecting line 210 can have substantially the same length as thescan connecting line 110, so that the data circuit 200 and the scancircuit 100 can be located at substantially the same distance from theboundary between the pixel area and the peripheral area.

A distance between the data circuit 200 and the scan circuit 100 whichis adjacent to the data circuit 200 is less as the data circuit 200 iscloser to the pixel area. Thus, a first distance L1 between the datacircuit 200 and the scan circuit 100 close to the pixel area is lessthan a second distance L2 between the data circuit 200 and the scancircuit 100 far from the pixel area.

The data line DL and the second pattern 212 can be formed from the samemetal layer by pattering the same metal layer.

The third insulation layer 40 is formed on the second insulation layer30 on which the data pattern is formed.

The third insulation layer 40 can have a single-layered structure or amulti-layered structure including at least two insulation films. Inexample embodiments, a planarization process is executed on the thirdinsulation layer 40 to enhance the flatness of the third insulationlayer 40. For example, the third insulation layer 40 has a substantiallylevel surface by a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, anetch-back process, etc. The third insulation layer 40 can be formedusing an organic material. For example, the third insulation layer 40 isformed of photoresist, acryl-based resin, polyimide-based resin,polyamide-based resin, siloxane-based resin, etc. These can be usedalone or in a combination thereof. Alternatively, the third insulationlayer 40 can be formed of an inorganic material. For example, the thirdinsulation layer 40 is formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, silicon oxycarbide, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, hafnium,zirconium, titanium, tantalum, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalumoxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide,titanium oxide, etc. These can be used alone or in a mixture thereof.The third insulation layer 40 can be formed by a spin coating process, aprinting process, a sputtering process, a CVD process, an ALD process, aPECVD process, an HDP-CVD process or a vacuum evaporation process inaccordance with ingredients included in the third insulation layer 40.

The circular display device according to the present example embodimentincludes a plurality of circuit pattern formed in a peripheral area andalong a boundary of a pixel area and the peripheral area. The circuitpattern has a first side extending along a fourth direction and a secondside extending along a fifth direction which is substantiallyperpendicular to the fourth direction, so that the circuit pattern canbe efficiently located along the peripheral area. Thus, the size of theperipheral area can be reduced.

In addition, the circuit patterns can be formed at substantially thesame distance from the boundary between the pixel area and theperipheral area, resistance due to load resistive caused by scan or dataline according to a location difference of pixels can be reduced, sothat degradation of displaying quality can be reduced.

In addition, the circular display substrate according to the presentexample embodiment includes a plurality of pixels including a circularpixel formed in a pixel area and a driving portion configured to drivethe pixels formed in a peripheral area adjacent to the pixel area. Thedriving portion can include a plurality of unit circuits repeatedlyformed along the peripheral area. A layout of each of the unit circuitscan extend toward a center of the circular display substrate. A distancebetween each of the unit circuit and a center of the pixel area can besubstantially uniform.

FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged view illustrating a pixel of FIG. 2.FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pixel P includes a data line DL, ascan line SL and a switching transistor SWTR.

A base substrate 10 can include a transparent insulation substrate. Abuffer layer (not shown) can be further formed on the base substrate 10.An active pattern including a source are S, a drain area D and an activearea A of the switching transistor SWTR can be formed on the basesubstrate 10. The first insulation layer 20 can be formed on and coverthe active pattern. The scan line SL is formed on the base substrate 10and can extend in a first direction D1. A second insulation layer 30 isformed on the first insulation layer 20 on which the scan line SL isformed. The data line DL is formed on the second insulation layer 30.

The data line DL can be electrically connected to the source area S ofthe switching transistor SWTR through a contact hole formed through thefirst and second insulation layers 20 and 30.

The third insulation layer 40 can be formed on the second insulationlayer 30 on which the data line DL is formed.

Although not shown in the figures, the pixel P can further include apixel electrode electrically connected to the drain area D of theswitching transistor SWTR, an organic light-emitting layer formed on thepixel electrode, and a common electrode formed on the organiclight-emitting layer.

In addition, although not shown in figures, the pixel P can furtherinclude a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain area D ofthe switching transistor SWTR, a liquid crystal layer formed on thepixel electrode, and a common electrode formed on the liquid crystallayer.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 4B, the scan line SL and the gateelectrode G of the switching transistor SWTR in the pixel area, and thefirst pattern 112, the scan peripheral gate electrode SG of the scanperipheral transistor STR and the data peripheral gate electrode DG ofthe data peripheral transistor DTR in the peripheral area can be formedfrom the same metal layer by pattering the metal layer.

In addition, the data line DL in the pixel area and the second pattern212 in the peripheral area can be formed from the same metal layer bypattering the metal layer.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a boundary between a pixel area PA and a peripheralarea SA is substantially circular. Thus, a portion of the boundary canhave an arc shape. The boundary is formed along an arc direction D3. Aplurality of scan circuits 100 and data circuits 200 are formed alongthe arc direction D3. For example, the scan circuits 100 and the datacircuits 200 are alternately formed along the arc direction D3. The scancircuit 100 and the data circuit 200 can be arranged at thesubstantially uniform distance. Thus, the distance between the scancircuit 100 and another scan circuit 100 which is adjacent to the scancircuit 100 can be substantially uniform. In addition, the distancebetween the data circuit 200 and another data circuit 200 which isadjacent to the data circuit 200 can be substantially uniform.

The scan circuit 100 extends in a fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe scan circuit 100. For example, the scan circuit 100 has a width in afifth direction D5 which is substantially perpendicular to the fourthdirection D4, and extend in the fourth direction D4, so that the scancircuit 100 is substantially rectangular.

The scan connecting line 110 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thescan connecting line 110 electrically connects the scan circuit 100 tothe scan line SL in the pixel area PA. The scan connecting line 110extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the scan connecting line 110extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to theboundary between the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA.

The data circuit 200 extends in the fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe data circuit 200. For example, the data circuit 200 has a width in afifth direction D5, and extends in the fourth direction D4, so that thedata circuit 200 is substantially rectangular.

The data connecting line 210 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thedata connecting line 210 electrically connects the data circuit 200 tothe data line DL in the pixel area PA. The data connecting line 210extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the data connecting line 210extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to theboundary of the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA.

The data line DL and the scan line SL can be bent near the peripheralarea SA.

Accordingly, the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 are formedalong the boundary between the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA,and each of the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 extends in asubstantially perpendicular direction with respect to the boundary.Thus, efficiency of a circuit layout in peripheral area SA can beimproved.

In addition, the scan connecting line 110 extends in the substantiallyperpendicular direction with respect to the boundary, so that the scanlines SL in the pixel area PA and the scan circuits 100 can be connectedto each other uniformly. Thus, resistive load due to a wiring lengthdifference can be reduced.

In addition, the data connecting line 210 extends in the substantiallyperpendicular direction with respect to the boundary, so that the datalines DL in the pixel area PA and the data circuits 200 can be connectedto each other substantially uniformly. Thus, resistive load due to awiring length difference can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a boundary between a pixel area PA and a peripheralarea SA is substantially circular. Thus, a portion of the boundary canhave an arc shape. The boundary is formed along an arc direction D3. Aplurality of scan circuits 100 and data circuits 200 are formed alongthe arc direction D3. For example, the scan circuits 100 and the datacircuits 200 are alternately formed along the are direction D3.

The scan circuit 100 extends in a fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe scan circuit 100. For example, the scan circuit 100 can overall havea width in a fifth direction D5 which is substantially perpendicular tothe fourth direction D4, and extend in the fourth direction D4, so thatthe scan circuit 100 has a rectangular shape.

The scan connecting line 110 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thescan connecting line 110 electrically connects the scan circuit 100 tothe scan line SL in the pixel area PA. The scan connecting line 110extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the scan connecting line 110extends in a direction which is perpendicular to boundary of the pixelarea PA and the peripheral area SA.

In addition, the scan line SL in the pixel area PA extends form the scanconnecting line 110 in the fourth direction D4 in which the scanconnecting line 110 extends. Thus, the scan line SL can be bent near thepixel P.

The data circuit 200 extends in the fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the are direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe data circuit 200. For example, the data circuit 200 has a width in afifth direction D5, and extends in the fourth direction D4, so that thedata circuit 200 has a rectangular shape.

The data connecting line 210 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thedata connecting line 210 electrically connects the data circuit 200 tothe data line DL in the pixel area PA. The data connecting line 210extends in the fourth direction D4. Thus, the data connecting line 210extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular with respectto the boundary of the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA.

In addition, the data line DL in the pixel area PA extends form the dataconnecting line 210 in the fourth direction D4 in which the dataconnecting line 210 extends. Thus, the data line DL can be bent near thepixel P.

Accordingly, the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 are formedalong the boundary between the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA,and each of the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 extends in asubstantially perpendicular direction with respect to the boundary.Thus, efficiency of a circuit layout in peripheral area SA can beimproved.

In addition, the scan connecting line 110 and the data connecting line210 can be connected to the pixel P in a shortest path, so thatresistive load due to a wiring length difference can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a boundary of a pixel area PA and a peripheral areaSA has a circular shape. Thus, a portion of the boundary can have an arcshape. The boundary is formed along an arc direction D3. A plurality ofscan circuits 100 and data circuits 200 are formed along the arcdirection D3. For example, the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits200 are alternately formed along the arc direction D3. The scan circuit100 and the data circuit 200 can be arranged at a substantially uniformdistance. Thus, the distance between the scan circuit 100 and anotherscan circuit 100 which is adjacent to the scan circuit 100 can besubstantially uniform. In addition, the distance between the datacircuit 200 and another data circuit 200 which is adjacent to the datacircuit 200 can be substantially uniform.

The scan circuit 100 extends in a fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe scan circuit 100. For example, the scan circuit 100 has a width in afifth direction D5 which is substantially perpendicular to the fourthdirection D4, and extends in the fourth direction D4, so that the scancircuit 100 is substantially rectangular.

The scan connecting line 110 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thescan connecting line 110 electrically connects the scan circuit 100 tothe scan line SL in the pixel area PA. A portion of the scan line SLadjacent to the peripheral area SA and the scan connecting line 110extends in a straight line from the scan circuit 100 to the pixel P.Thus, the portion of the scan line SL and the scan connecting line 110extend in a shortest path the from scan circuit 100 to the pixel P whichis adjacent to the peripheral area SA.

The data circuit 200 extends in the fourth direction D4 which issubstantially perpendicular to the arc direction D3. The fourthdirection D4 is substantially perpendicular to the are direction D3, sothat the fourth direction D4 can be varied according to a position ofthe data circuit 200. For example, the data circuit 200 has a width in afifth direction D5, and extends in the fourth direction D4, so that thedata circuit 200 is substantially rectangular.

The data connecting line 210 is formed in the peripheral area SA. Thedata connecting line 210 electrically connects the data circuit 200 tothe data line DL in the pixel area PA. A portion of the data line DLadjacent to the peripheral area SA and the data connecting line 210extends in a substantially straight line from the data circuit 200 tothe pixel P. Thus, the portion of the data line DL and the dataconnecting line 210 extend in a shortest path the from data circuit 200to the pixel P which is adjacent to the peripheral area SA.

Accordingly, the data line DL and the scan line SL can be bent near thepixel P.

Accordingly, the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 are formedalong the boundary between the pixel area PA and the peripheral area SA,and each of the scan circuits 100 and the data circuits 200 extends in asubstantially perpendicular direction with respect to the boundary.Thus, efficiency of a circuit layout in peripheral area SA can beimproved.

In addition, the scan circuit 100 and the data circuit 200 can beconnected to the pixel P in the shortest path, so that resistive loaddue to a wiring length difference can be reduced.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a circular displaysubstrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a circular display substrate is substantially sameas a circular display substrate of FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7, expect that scanand data circuits are arranged in two rows in a plan view.

A scan circuit 100 is formed spaced apart form a boundary between apixel area PA and a peripheral area SA by a third distance D3, and adata circuit 200 is formed spaced apart from the boundary by a fourthdistance L4. The third distance L3 can be less than the fourth distanceLA.

Accordingly, efficiency of circuit layout in the peripheral area SA canbe improved, so that size of the peripheral area SA can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view briefly illustrating a circulardisplay device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, a circular display device includes a lowerreceiving container 1100, a circular display panel 1000, and an upperreceiving container 1200.

The lower receiving container 1100 and the upper receiving container1200 receive the circular display panel 1000.

The circular display panel 1000 is received in the lower and upperreceiving containers 1100 and 1200, and displays an image. The circulardisplay panel 1000 can include a circular display of FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8.The circular display panel 1000 includes a pixel area PA in which theimage is formed, and a peripheral area SA surrounding the pixel area PA.For example, the circular display panel 1000 is an OLED display panel.

The upper receiving container 1200 and the lower receiving container1100 receive the circular display panel 1000. The upper receivingcontainer 1200 covers the peripheral area SA of the circular displaypanel 1000, so that the peripheral area SA is not seen from the outside.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view briefly illustrating a circulardisplay device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, a circular display device includes a lowerreceiving container 1100, a circular display panel 1000, a backlightassembly 1300 and an upper receiving container 1200.

The lower receiving container 1100 and the upper receiving container1200 receive the circular display panel 1000 and the backlight assembly1300.

The circular display panel 1000 is received in the lower and upperreceiving containers 1100 and 1200, and displays an image. The circulardisplay panel 1000 can include a circular display of FIGS. 1 and 5 to 8.The circular display panel 1000 includes a pixel area PA in which theimage is formed, and a peripheral area SA surrounding the pixel area PA.For example, the circular display panel 1000 is a liquid crystal displaypanel.

The backlight assembly 1300 is formed under the circular display panel1000, and provides light to the circular display panel 1000.

The upper receiving container 1200 and the lower receiving container1100 receive the circular display panel 1000. The upper receivingcontainer 1200 covers the peripheral area SA of the circular displaypanel 1000, so that the peripheral area SA is not seen from the outside.Thus, the upper receiving container 1200 overlaps the peripheral area SA

The described technology can be applied to an OLED display and anelectronic device having the OLED display. For example, the describedtechnology is applied to computer monitors, televisions, laptopcomputers, digital cameras, cellular phones, smartphones, smart pads,personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs),MP3 players, navigation systems, video phones, etc.

The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments havebeen described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible in the example embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theinventive technology. Accordingly, all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of the present inventive concept asdefined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that theforegoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not tobe construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed,and that modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well asother example embodiments, are intended to be included within the scopeof the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display substrate comprising: a plurality ofpixels arranged in a substantially circular pixel area; a drivingcircuit comprising a plurality of scan circuits, the driving circuitformed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area and configured todrive the pixels; a plurality of scan lines formed in the substantiallycircular pixel area, wherein the scan lines extend in a first direction;and a plurality of scan connecting lines each formed between each of thescan circuits and each of the scan lines and each configured toelectrically connect each of the scan lines to each of the scancircuits, wherein at least two of angles between the first direction andeach of extending directions of the scan connecting lines are differentfrom each other, and wherein at least two of the angles aresubstantially equal to each other.
 2. The display substrate of claim 1,wherein a boundary is formed between the pixel area and the peripheralarea, and wherein the driving circuit comprises a conductive patternhaving a first side which extends in a peripheral direction crossing theboundary, wherein the pixels include a plurality of boundary pixelsformed immediately adjacent to the boundary, and wherein the conductivepattern is bent and crosses the boundary pixels.
 3. The displaysubstrate of claim 2, wherein the scan circuits comprise first to thirdscan circuits which are arranged in order with being adjacent to eachother, the first scan circuit comprises a first scan patternelectrically connected to a first pixel and extends in a third directionin the peripheral area, the second scan circuit comprises a second scanpattern electrically connected to a second pixel and extends in a fourthdirection in the peripheral area, the third scan circuit comprises athird scan pattern electrically connected to a third pixel and extendsin a fifth direction in the peripheral area, wherein the thirddirection, the fourth direction and the fifth direction are differentfrom each other, and wherein the third direction is a direction which isperpendicular to the boundary at the first scan circuit is formed, thefourth direction is a direction which is perpendicular to the boundaryat the second scan circuit is formed, and the fifth direction is adirection which is perpendicular to the boundary at the third scancircuit is formed.
 4. The display substrate of claim 2, wherein the scanlines and the conductive pattern are formed on the same layer.
 5. Thedisplay substrate of claim 4, wherein the driving circuit furthercomprises a plurality of data circuits, wherein each of the datacircuits comprises a second pattern electrically connected to a selectedpixel and has first and second sides connected to each other, whereinthe first side of the second pattern extends in the peripheraldirection, and wherein the second side of second pattern extendsperpendicular to the peripheral direction.
 6. The display substrate ofclaim 5, further comprising: a plurality of data lines formed in thepixel area, wherein the data lines extend in a second direction which issubstantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality ofdata connecting lines each formed between each of the data circuits andeach of the data lines and each configured to electrically connect eachof the data lines to each of the data circuits, wherein at least twoangles between the second direction and each of extending directions ofthe data connecting lines are different from each other, and wherein atleast two of the angles are substantially equal to each other.
 7. Thedisplay substrate of claim 6, wherein the data lines and the secondpattern are formed on the same layer.
 8. The display substrate of claim1, wherein the peripheral area forms a ring around the pixel area. 9.The display substrate of claim 1, wherein the pixels are formed in acompletely circular pixel area.
 10. The display substrate of claim 2,wherein the conductive pattern crosses and is perpendicular to acircular portion of the boundary.
 11. The display substrate of claim 2,wherein the conductive pattern crosses each and every one of theboundary pixels.
 12. A display substrate comprising: a plurality ofpixels arranged in a substantially circular pixel area; a drivingcircuit formed in a peripheral area surrounding the pixel area andconfigured to drive the pixels, the driving circuit comprising a scancircuit and a data circuit alternatively arranged; a scan line formed inthe substantially circular pixel area, wherein the scan line extends ina first direction; a data line formed in the substantially circularpixel area, wherein the data line extends in a second directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first direction; a scan connectingline formed between the scan circuit and the scan line and configured toelectrically connect the scan line to the scan circuit; and a dataconnecting line formed between the data circuit and the data line andconfigured to electrically connect the data line to the data circuit,wherein an angle between the first direction and an extending directionof the scan connecting line is different from an angle between thesecond direction and an extending direction of the data connecting line.13. The display substrate of claim 12, wherein the extending directionof the scan connecting line is nonparallel to the extending direction ofthe data connecting line.